Maxtrax Xtreme | The Ultimate Overland Traction Board

Almost 20 years since Brad McCarthy originally devised the idea for Maxtrax, a new version has finally arrived. Improving on the already proven MkII version, the new Maxtrax Xtreme is now the penultimate pair of traction boards on the market. I’ve been using the MkII version of the Maxtrax for about 3 years now. Mud, sand and snow are the most common obstacles in my neck of the woods. And these are the most used pieces of recovery gear in my kit. Just recently. on a trail ride this summer with some locals, an truck ended up stuck in a rutted part of a trail. When the driver hopped out and asked me to winch him, I laughed and pointed to the shiny new Maxtrax mounted to his rig. I’m not sure they had ever used them. Badda bing, badda boom…90 seconds later he was unstuck and on his way.

MAXTRAX XTREME – the world’s best 4WD recovery tracks just got better!

I own a couple pairs of MkII boards and have primarily used them to help recover other vehicles. And sometimes, you end up with an overly aggressive throttle user. One who eagerly spins the tires trying to climb out of whatever they got stuck in. This can cause damage to the Maxtrax as the spinning tire will ultimately melt down the molded plastic studs. Rendering the traction boards less effective. So at $299 a pair, I cringe when someone doesn’t listen to my instruction and spins on my Maxtrax. Fortunately, Maxtrax came up with a brilliant solution. Replaceable studs. The new Maxtrax Xtreme is built for serious off-roaders, professionals and military units. If you want to take your game to the next level, the Xtreme is your ticket.

“Multi-award-winning MAXTRAX XTREME is the most advanced 4WD recovery track ever created, featuring 88 replaceable hard-anodized alloy teeth moulded into a heavy-duty, super-tough, engineering-grade reinforced Nylon recovery track. MAXTRAX XTREME is designed and manufactured for professional use based on direct feedback from some of the world’s most elite military units, off-road racing champions, certified 4WD driver trainers and globe-trotting expedition leaders. As a mission-critical recovery track for a wide range of scenarios where time is of the essence and aggressive driving and excessive wheel spin is often unavoidable, including active combat situations, timed motorsport competitions and remote area expeditions.” ~maxtrax.com.au

Maxtrax Xtreme Demonstration Video

Maxtrax Xtreme Features:

• Australian designed, engineered and manufactured
• 88 replaceable anodised alloy teeth; designed for XTREME users
• Safe and easy recovery from sand, mud, snow and slush
• Made from super-tough engineering-grade reinforced Nylon
• Compatible with MAXTRAX MKII and MAXTRAX mini
• Proven, patent-pending, multi-award-winning design
• Weight: 9kg/20lbs per pair
• Six glove-friendly handles
• Lifetime warranty
• A variety of mounting and carrying options are available
• MSRP $499

Although not at all an inexpensive item to add to a recovery kit, it’s far cheaper than a tow truck when stuck in a remote area. And much less than a winch too. Making it one of the first few pieces of recovery gear you should consider. It was an investment for me to purchase a couple sets of MkII Maxtrax a few years ago. But they have proven invaluable over the years. Performing recoveries, bridging gaps, ramping up obstacles and just leveling off a vehicle at camp. However, they are starting to show some wear and tear on some of the studs. However, the MkII’s remain serviceable and will be passed on our latest project vehicle. Project Rubicon. The Gear Bunker FJ Cruiser now has the latest Maxtrax Xtreme mounted to the roof rack. Looking forward to future adventures.